Ruger SP-101

[supmayn]

Someone in another forum mentioned that a "short-framed" SP101 was made for a couple of years (circa 94). Anybody know anything about this? How much smaller was this frame than the regular SP101 frame?

 

[bestseller92]

When the SP101, which was originally chambered only in .38 Special, was first offered in .357 Magnum (at the behest of Massad Ayoob), the frame was not long enough to facilitate use of any .357 cartridges with bullet weights greater than 125 grains, and in fact the guns were marked ".357 Magnum 125 grain only" (or something similar). Heavier bullets protruded from the case mouth too far.

In short order, this was corrected, the cylinder and frame were lengthened, and all .357 cartridges could be used in the subsequently produced SP101s.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

It's one of those wierd guns. Everyone that has one thinks it's a low production-high dollar collector. Everyone that doesn't have one doesn't want it due to its limitations.

 

[supmayn]

So, does Ruger still make SP101's that chamber .38 sp only, or since the change in the size of the gun mentioned above are the .38 guns also all .357 capable as well?

 

[Catherine]

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/

I don't have the newest Ruger catalog here by my computer.

This may help you.

Catherine